Band of Horses is a band I became introduced to when I heard Cease to Begin, which was really a great all-around album. I actually reviewed it almost a year ago here on entertheshell.com. But unlike Cease to Begin, the band’s latest release, Infinite Arms, failed to grab hold of me. Perhaps because it isn’t a new sound like it was to me a year ago, I’m not sure.
“Factory” makes a pretty dramatic entrance, starting the album off with a slow drum roll and beautiful strings. Ben Bridwell’s voice still has that slight Country drawl at times, which gives the band the interesting sound it possesses.
The album’s second track and first single is “Compliments,” one of the only upbeat-sounding tracks on the album. The delay effects and short-and-sweet strumming on the guitars gives this song its bounce. It’s no surprise that this song was chosen for the single, as it has a bit of pop rock sound to it, which drowns out much of their country influences.
Another highlight of Infinite Arms is “Blue Beard.” The harmonizing vocals in the beginning build you up, but the the lightly distorted guitar strumming and Bridwell’s slow, melodious voice slow you back down. The harmonization in this track has a very pleasant effect on the listener; one thing you can be sure of: this album is a definite continuation of that mellow sound the band accomplishes so well.
This album really isn’t a bad album. Band of Horses stays true to their formula and doesn’t stray, which is why I think I’m disappointed in Infinite Arms. Perhaps it will take some time to grow on me, but it still is a good, mellow-out album. Turn your lights off, put your headphones on and enjoy!
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